GEORGE NEWS - A massive drive to geld some 15 stallions in the Pacaltsdorp area is taking place this morning, at the Pacaltsdorp Riding Club.
This follows after a call for help from the club, for assistance in this regard.
A team of veterinarians and veterinary nurses joined forces to make this happen, in a quest to assist the community of Pacaltsdorp.
This project is spearheaded by Dr Shirley Smith, a retired veterinarian of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) in Conville.
According to Kalma Hayes, an adivsor to the Pacaltsdorp riders, there's been a huge increase of unwanted foals that end up on the N2, get knocked over, and generally speaking, pose a problem to those living in Pacaltsdorp.
"Dr Smith made this her priority and reached out to her friends in the equestrian world all over South Africa. She collected R20 000 in two weeks," says Hayes.
"Meanwhile, she managed to assemble a medical team with vets and volunteers to help with the project. The team include Drs. Shirley Smith, Brendan Tindall, Stephanie Mallory and Suzanne Muller.
A stallion called "Red" is being prepared for his operation. From left are Ferdi Alaart, Dr Shirley Smith, veterinary students Aidan Armstrong and Tayla Hellyer, and Dr Brendan Tindall. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
A top dressage rider and qualified dressage instructor Noemi de Dios from Spain also helped, and collected more funds from her equestrian friends overseas.
Noemi de Dios (right), a top dressage rider and qualified dressage instructor from Spain, with Ursula Auer, a local horseriding isntructor and freshly gelded horse, Red. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
"The donations received into the PDSA account will cover the costs to do as many stallions as possible."
All the veterinarians and volunteers gave their Sunday for the project, at no cost. The PDSA only pays for the medicine and anaesthesia.
The project kicked off at 09:00 and will last well into the afternoon. Dr Smith thanks all the sponsors who made this project possible. "We want the community of Pacaltsdorp to know we are going to help," says Hayes.
All hands on deck to help with the gelding of Storm. Dr Suzanne Muller (middle) with (from left) Alta Koekemoer, Kelly Searle, Joelton Jacobs and Dr Stephanie Mallory. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
Kalma Hayes, an adivsor to the Pacaltsdorp riders, and Dr Shirley Smith. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
A stallion called "Night" receives attention from Drs Suzanne Muller and Shirley Smith. With them is veterinary nurse Alta Koekemoer (left). Photo: Michelle Pienaar
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